Tests going through a COVID pandemic

Well, God has done “IT” (He does a lot) once again. If you’ve read my previous two testimonies (Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic & Part II - Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic), you will note that I’ve been going through hell and I wasn’t about to stay there.  My last bout with the devil was as if I was being “punk’d” by him. I had to get a full “Skeletal Survey PTV” which is a series of X-rays from my head to my feet (26 films in all). It took an hour and a half. Let me take a moment to thank all who prayed for my healing and recovery without asking a lot of questions.

As some of you might know, an Oncologist specializes with your blood, and is also associated with cancer related matters.  Sure, the enemy tried to put fear in my mind, but I’ve been taught not to allow the devil have any power over me.

I believe that God is continually with us as we go through unfamiliar territory in order to be a blessing to others who may need help in building their faith; just as He did with Job in the Bible.

As it stands, I’m slowly gaining my weight, and overcoming some minor equilibrium issues. The doctor will see me again in December to make sure my numbers continue to be positive and hopefully he’s not trying to maintain a paycheck from me. I’ll be going back to the gym real soon, as I continue to live my life through this 2020 Coronavirus pandemic and beyond. #TBR and #FollowMeAsIFollowChrist.

I also need to give God the glory for supplying all my needs according to all that He possesses. We received a portion of the hospital bills, lab results and numerous doctors. God blessed my husband to have served in the military and have great insurance. I’m grateful that my mature age also allots me to collect the monies that I earned through social security. God creates many avenues of blessing, yet He is our source.

Van went with me to the Oncologist (October 20, 2020) to get the results of the Bone Marrow Biopsy, the urine test (I had to collect my urine for a full 24 hours - I had over a gallon and a half to take to the lab), Numerous blood tests, and a couple of consultations.

Call me crazy, but every time I see a butterfly cross my path, I praise and thank my God for LIFE!  Been doing that for many, many years and will continue to appreciate God speaking to me in this manner. OBTW, the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to go on and my bubble of protection remains steadfast and unmovable.

Part II - Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic

Have I got a praise report for y’all.  If you don’t know what I’ve been experiencing, please read my first Blog on my health.  On Oct. 5, 2020 I went to the Nephrology (kidney) Doctor.  When the doctor entered the room, she asked me how I felt.  Well, I told her that I originally went to the doctor’s office with symptoms of a UTI, and now other things are exposing themselves; no offense to her, but I didn’t want to come to her office.  I appreciate her profession, yet I needed one less specialist.

Well, she had my bloodwork in her hand and God had gotten my lab results down to normal.  I’ll just be checking back in 6 months before being completely dismissed. I gave God the glory right there in the office.  He is so faithful!  May I say that I was apprehensive about having a Physician Assistant tend to my needs due to the fact that it was a PA who prescribed the antibiotic that weakened my kidneys in the first place, but you shouldn’t assume that all PA’s are negligent.

Before getting that great news, I did go to do some errands and walked more than I have in weeks.  Still feeling a little weak, nonetheless, I’m not dizzy any more.  When you’ve changed your eating habits and diet, it’s difficult (but not impossible) to redirect your body to gain weight.  Since my hospitalization on September 10th, I’ve managed to gain 5 pounds.  Also, the Hepatitis C is still cured and not a threat.

On Tuesday (10/6/2020) Van & I went to the outpatient part of a local hospital to get a Bone Marrow Biopsy.  The test wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated it to be and I only needed a couple of Tylenols (can’t take anything with aspirin) for leg pain from my hip area after the anesthesia wore off.  The specialist wanted to see why my blood has some clots and why some other blood levels are off.  I’ll continue on the blood thinners, that the Oncologist prescribed, for another 2 months.  And guess what, the Bone Marrow Biopsy was done by a Physician Assistant.  I was praying hard and heavy before I had that mild sedative.  I was awake for most of the test - I think (lol).  It only took about 10 minutes to extract the marrow.

I am believing God that all things will be in order, in Jesus name.  My hopes are that my blog posts will be a blessing to someone who may be tested in their faith, may be fearful, or may disbelieve what God can and/or will do for them.  I continue to keep my faith strong as I follow directions from Holy Spirit.  Let me also thank everyone for their prayers.

OBTW, I am still very conscious of the Coronavirus, and so are the establishments where I’ve been visiting.  All places require masks, maintain social distancing (especially in chair seating) and constant hand sanitizing.  I will also get back to the gym in the near future, but I’m not rushing.

Please continue to pray for the persons affected by: Hurricane Delta, the California fires, racial injustices, those who have succumbed to COVID-19 and their families, & the upcoming election.  People must continue to be wise as they maintain their health.  Keep your mental health intact.  Stay positive as you surround yourself with positive people.  Stay active and accomplish some tasks each day.  Remember, You Are Your Future!

Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic

Where in the world has Ms. “V” been?  For those of you who like details - here it is.  It has been awhile since I’ve been on social media and it was a little difficult getting back; but I’m alive and getting better every day.  The devil tried to take me out, but God has many more great years in store for me and mine.

Our Granddaughter came to visit for the Summer this past July.  We have been surrounded in a “Bubble of Protection” (Job 1:10) that God has for us.  It wasn’t until August 20th that I began to feel chills and fever from a UTI.  Because I’ve had so many of these, I had an antibiotic on hand, but it had no effect.  I packed to go to ATL for that weekend, feeling a little better, but still was weak and not myself.

It took me a week and wanting to sleep all day that I got a virtual conference with a doctor on the base.  A urinalysis confirmed that the infection was still present.  The antibiotic that was prescribed for me was wrong.  I became weaker, lost my balance a couple times and fell to the floor.

God gave me enough strength to enjoy our Grandchild although I wish that I was feeling 100% instead of 35%.  Well, things were getting worst instead of better.  When you’re nice to people and talk as if you have sense, you will obtain favor.  I called the base and got an appointment on Sept. 9 with a doctor who would be saving my life.  This same doctor called me the next morning at 6:30 a.m. and told me to go straight to the nearest emergency room; that the base is not equipped to handle AKI (Acute Kidney Injury).

Van and I were in the ER from 7:15 a.m. as they started IV’s for my dehydration.  My veins were so small that I now look like a ‘pin cushion’.  Talk about being tested for FEAR, before I went to my semi-private room, my blood pressure had risen to 175/98.  They took it twice and I prayed that I wouldn’t stroke out.  It came down immediately after that.  God is so faithful and always there.

More testing came to my Faith as my room was right next to the Kidney Dialysis room.  I was asked so many questions and was given a Sonagram of my Kidneys and Liver (to make sure that the Hepatitis C was still cured and no harm was done in that organ.  The CAT Scan didn’t reveal anything, yet one examination and a Sonagram of my legs indicated that I have a blood clot in my left leg.  I had Thrombophlebitis over 40 years ago when I was a nurse, and got treatments just as I’m getting blood thinners now.  I am gaining my strength daily and slowly gaining the 13 pounds that I’ve seemed to misplace; nonetheless, I miss going to the gym and my lack of muscle tone needs help.  I was discharged from the hospital on the 14thh and will be seeing an Oncologist for the blood, and a Nephrologist to follow up and make sure that I continue to heal.

Thank you to those who inquired about my wellbeing and for the prayers and thanksgiving to God.  Sometimes you just need to be alone with close family and not a lot of questions.  #TBR

Unrest in the Land of Opportunity

COVID-19, Protests, Unemployment, Violence & Hurricane Cristobal.  What’s next?  Where is the Love?  What do we do?  How do we survive?  Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has a principle: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood”.  Well, some things I just don’t understand.  It reminds me of an old song “Ball of Confusion” by the Temptations, just change some of the words.  We need God now more than ever.

I was 14 when I saw a riot while living in Philadelphia; and it wasn’t pretty.  I went to an all-black Catholic Elementary school and wasn’t allowed out at night.  I remember that the 2 grocery stores (Fagan’s & Barney’s) were burned down and other businesses on Ridge Avenue.  There was nothing wrong with the white people who owned the stores; as a matter of fact, they extended “credit” to those who didn’t have any money until their next government check was in the mail.  These store owners kept food on many a table.  I never thought that I would experience such looting and building burning nonsense again in my lifetime until now.  I am saddened.

White people are more apprehensive now than ever before (To To Where Are We?).  Some are afraid of retaliation or being seen as the enemy.  This situation is like “wearing a mask”.  Do we think of how wearing a mask is helping ourselves, or does wearing one help others around us?  What will I gain verses what someone else is dealing with?  How can I make this world a better place, is the question that we would be asking ourselves?  I’m tying to understand – are you?  How does the song, “We Are The World” come into play today?

Businesses have been looted and that causes more increase on unemployment, nevertheless, looting was not done by protestors, but by greedy, lawless, immature people who wanted to obtain something from nothing.  Because of their acts of violence, we have to earn the right to be respected.  Once again, all protestors are not rioters!

The “Pledge of Allegiance” still does not give equality for all.  Blacks have recited this poem for decades and it never pertained to black people.  We have tried to obtain liberty and justice for all, yet we haven’t started to get justice until these recent days.

Colin Kaepernick (and now, many others) are taking a knee.  It’s not about putting our hands over our heart and standing up tall.  We need to respect the American Flag for what it stood for.  The flag represents the lives that were lost during wartimes and the colonies that were set free, but are we all free?  Now we are fighting another war; a war of hatred that exists in the minds and hearts of some people.  If “taking a knee” during the playing of the National Anthem is wrong, consider it part of the “New Normal” instead of a sign of disrespect.  We are NOT disrespecting the American Flag, yet America is NOT being “Great Again”.  We are living in a time of change, and it’s time to SEE a difference made in our lifetime.  It would be lovely to exist in a land where you’re not judged by the color of your skin, but by the content of your character.

My heart aches for those biracial couples and their children who may experience racial slurs, criticism, or bullying.  This hatred has got to stop being spread from generations to generations.  Hatred seems to be another form of virus that is spreading throughout the land.

We live in a cul-de-sac and are the only blacks in the neighborhood.  Just like a place where we lived in New Mexico, we didn’t realize that we were the only blacks until we relocated to a city in the south.  I was respected more in Europe and Asia than I am living here in the US.  And it’s a shame that I am reminded of words spoken in the past, “If you don’t like it here, go back to Africa where you belong.”  Yes, I remember those thoughtless words and a tear comes to my eye.

The other day I was in Walmart getting supplies to make masks.  As I walked down the aisle (in the correct direction) a white man stared at me directly into my eyes.  He was unmasked and I could see the distain in his eyes.  I checked myself and made sure that my hair wasn’t making me look crazy √.  It happened again with another man standing in line.  I had to check√ again, I was standing 6 feet from him √, wearing my mask √, my deodorant hadn’t failed √.  You want to talk about “a new normal”, we are living in a “new abnormal”.  Things will never be the same again, and some things we hope will change for the better.  Nonetheless, I continue to smile beneath my  mask in hopes that they see the love of Christ through my eyes.

If any of my friends feel uncomfortable about what’s happening today, please listen to “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” - former NFL player Emmanuel Acho, as he tries to explain some of the issues that black men go through.  It has been awhile since I’ve had to think about inequality (2007), nevertheless, I will continue to pray and make changes whenever and wherever I can.

Keeping ‘COVID - 19’ at bay

April 5, 2020 will be Palm Sunday.  Even churches of 20 or less should make use technology with the use of online congregating, corporate worship, and hearing God’s Word through the internet.  We need to safeguard ourselves, families, and others by following the suggestions of the CDC (a US government federal agency) and using common sense.  Even Jesus was subject to the government with taxation, nevertheless, Jesus was (and still is) part of the government (Isiah 9:6-7).

One of our churches Small Group Leaders has a relative (a beautiful young woman) who was recently removed from a respirator, due to the Corona virus.  It was through medicine and the prayers of the righteous that she is recovering.  This pandemic is REAL!  It is a fallacy to think that one race or another cannot be subject to the coronavirus, if we’re not careful.  Yes, anyone can get it, or be a carrier.  Take a look at Idris Elba & Tom Hanks.  This calamity is REALLY REAL!

No one suggests that you cannot go outside and get some direct sunlight (natural form of Vitamin D).  Take a walk & relieve your mind.  Be aware of the places where “Germs” can hide.  Safeguard yourself and those around you.  Wash you hands when touching other surfaces; disinfect those areas before you use them.  Keep your hands away from your face until you do sanitize.  Avoid large crowds and maintain a 6 - 10 ft. radius from other people.

Don’t ostracize people unless they’ve been tested positive for COVID-19, nonetheless, there are ways to still be in communications with them (video chat, telephone, text, email, and social media.  Just stay in touch without really touching.  For all the huggers out there - there’s an emoji for that too.

I recently celebrated a Birthday, and in my 70 years of experience, I thank God that He brought me through Hurricanes in Florida, Tornadoes in New Mexico, diseases in Philadelphia along with illnesses and other diseases overseas and in various parts of our United States.  God has brought me this far in life and He’s taught me that I must be wise and take care of myself so that I would be able to assist others when the need arose.

Unless there is a miracle or Jesus returns, there is no need to get new Easter outfits (save your money and cut down on online spending.  Churches should continue to keep their flocks safe.  Listen to the CDC and always use wisdom — not FEAR!  Let us not lay out a fleece for God (Judges 6: 36-40), this is not the time to test Him.

Those persons who still need to work outside of their homes, please be smart & use precautions.  We should keep our homes cleaner than ever before.
#CautiousButNotCrazy
#FaithOverFear
#WiseYetHarmless
#FactsAndFaith
#FactsNotFear
#PrayedUp
#TBR (Trust God, Believe in His Word & Receive every promise that He has given).
Ms. "V"s Website

'Star' on Fox TV-Sexuality and Christianity: What?

Many people are afraid to talk about homosexuality for fear of being ridiculed, labeled, chastised, hated (the list goes on), so they just keep quiet, bury their heads, or don’t say anything at all.  There’s a nighttime soap-opera (oh, there are many other ones on evening TV, so put down your rocks & please listen to the important issue), “Star”, in its first season on the FOX network.  The show has a character that wants to change from a man to a woman (you’ll have to look up the episode ‘on demand’).  What I found disturbing was the attempt to perform an Exorcism on this person, by a pastor of a local church.  There’s more plots to the show, but this is the focus of this article.  How would you approach a person who is NOT a  heterosexual?

Ms. "V" center

You may want to tag people who question their gender as gay, homosexual, transsexual, transgender, and the classifications go on (with some not-so-nice terms).  Nevertheless, how are Christians, who say they love God, going to badger and belittle a person, as they tell the person that they are going to die and go to hell?  Christians have their Bible scriptures, but What Would Jesus Do in confronting a person who was born one way and have desires for the other gender?  Are we God?  What would Jesus say and do about a Hermaphrodite?  Are we Christians supposed to beat the devil out of other people?  Are we to ignore the person and what they do?  In the words of a familiar show, “What Would You Do?”

Member of "The Pearl Box Review"

There’s an old saying, “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”  Didn’t Jesus show love to those who were NOT like Him?  How are people going to love and follow Christ, if they can’t see the love of Jesus in YOU?  Some of us have family members who are transgender, yet how do we treat them?  Are we ashamed to invite them to dinner, or what about inviting them to church (that’s the last place they might come because of the whispers or looks they would receive - that’s not your church; is it?).  Do we shun them or classify them as outcasts?  How would you handle it if a loved one professed that they were different than you?  Would you still love them or hide them in the closet?  Is casting demons out of the person, the answer or showing that person to a loving God?  We are to lead folks to Christ by our example, and He gets the increase.

Years ago, when I was a barmaid, we had a “Pearl Box Review” (men who dressed and performed as women) come to town.  They needed a place to stay and I was single, with a four-bedroom house; so, I had them stay with me.  That was a time that I hold dear.  It was like having a group of sisters around.  We ate, cooked, shopped, drank and had fun together.  That was then!  Today, I would have to check with Hubby and they could probably afford a hotel room, but the fact remains that these are still people (don’t be asking my Husband what he would do), and they have feelings.  Some of you readers might be saying, “They wouldn’t be in my house.”  Well, shame on you!  Did Jesus do that?  He got upset with the money changers at the temple, but who’s to say that He didn’t have a glass of wine with them at another time.

My question to you is, “How does a Christian approach and treat a person who appears to be one way, yet feels that they are the other?  What would you do?  Are we Christians so heavenly bound (going to heaven no matter what), that we’re no earthly good?  Are we willing to seek that one lost sheep from the herd and show them the Good Shepherd? Sometimes one situation can lead to another less favorable conclusion.  What will happen on the season finale of “Star” and will you judge less you be judged?

The Ends and Outs of Getting a Massage!

Updated: September 28, 2016
Some people are leery of things that they don’t understand.  If you’ve never experienced a professional massage, then you might not understand what goes on behind closed doors.  You may think that massages are luxuries, yet they are therapeutic for the triune man.  Your Spirit has a chance to slow down and communicate with God while your soul (mind, will and emotions) has the chance to learn from your Spirit.  Your body benefits from muscles being loosened, and pain being relieved.  There are different types of massage (hot-stone, deep tissue, mineral wraps, facials, etc.); your salon will explain the difference and you’ll discover what works best for you.

You should go to the restroom before you go into the room to begin your treatment.  The Massage Therapist uses oils that don’t have a strong aroma, but is very oily.  Your skin will be soft until you wash it off - and it doesn’t get on your clothes.  The massage person will leave you alone in the room to pin up or cover up your hair, remove your jewelry (post earrings may be left in place), remove your clothes and get under the sheet and blanket.

With your legs, one is exposed at a time and the sheet is tucked between your legs. Only one leg exposed at a time with modesty during the entire time.  Some people have a hard time removing their under garments and your therapist will adapt, but you won’t get some muscles massaged, especially on your upper and lower back.  My therapist starts with me on my stomach, arms to the side with a pillow roll under my ankles, head is in a head holder on the massage table.  When it’s time to turn over, they will hold the covers up (giving you some privacy) while you flip to the other side.

The room is usually has dim lighting with music (no lyrics) playing softly in the background.  Some therapists also use a sound machine (birds chirping, ocean waves, rain, soothing sounds).  If you want to talk, make sure it’s before your technician gets started.  They may ask if you have any problem areas on your body.  Sometimes there’s a floor fan, but you won’t be cold.  It may be to keep your massage therapist cool.

This is time for meditation, prayer and maybe a nap.  It’s time to clear your mind from all the frustrations that might come your way.  It’s your time.  If you get a ‘chatty cathy’ man or woman, you may want to change people.  It’s up to you if you are more comfortable with a man or a woman touching you.  Most men prefer women to massage them because a man-on-man may not be welcomed.  I’ve had both, nonetheless, I prefer a woman.

When I was younger, massage was a luxury (special occasions); now, it’s a necessity.  I budget a one-hour, hot-stone treatment (a good therapist massages with her stones and doesn’t just lay them on your body), once a month as I do my manicure and pedicure.  If you don’t take care of yourself (don’t go into debt, but cut back on other luxuries) then how can you take care of someone or something else.  Massage chairs found in a mall doesn’t count as an authentic massage.

At the end of your massage, it’s very important that you drink lots and lots of water to flush the toxins from your body.  If you exercise, some people choose to go before, others go after the gym, and some don’t go on the same day of the massage.  I choose the latter.

Thanks to Beth at Hand and Stone Massage & Facial Spa for enlightening me on things that I didn’t know about the massage trade; and to 10, 000 Waves for giving me a wonderful resort experience and knowledge.  Resorts and cruise ships offer rooms for you and your spouse to experience the relaxation of therapeutic massage.  If you have any questions, ask me in the comment section.  OBTW, if you have a little flatulence (gas) during your massage; just say, “Excuse me”.  It’s only you and your therapist in the room and somebody did it.